This comic refers to a common analogy used to explain how mass distorts space-time — a bowling ball resting on a sheet of rubber distorts the sheet due to its weight. The system has some qualitative features in common with gravity; it's often misused to show that "mass warps spacetime" (895: Teaching Physics).

The next part of the original analogy explains a black hole: the slope of the sheet becomes so deep that you can't climb out from the bottom any more, similar to a black hole, which even light can't escape from. However, the comic subverts the analogy, and the sheet becomes a trampoline instead.

The line "Imagining is fun!" is also a homage to Richard P. Feynman's "Fun to Imagine" Series of Interviews.

The title text also states that the rubber sheet, broken rope and our whole life is all about physics (see also 435: Purity).

Discussion

There is no rope in black hole analogy. On the other hand ... maybe one day this becomes common analogy for explaining some method of FTL travel ... -- Hkmaly (talk) 08:52, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

It is no rope - it is a rubber sheet seen from the side. Sebastian --178.26.121.97 14:01, 9 January 2013 (UTC)sorry, you meant the rope there ;-) Sebastian --178.26.121.97 20:18, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

Did you see the harmonics of the wave? I think there are four different ones in the third frame. Sebastian --178.26.121.97 14:01, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

- Two harmonics, two different phases of each. 123.237.156.13 15:56, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

It seems to me there should be a cross-reference to 895: Teaching Physics (and if I knew more about the conventions of this wiki I would be bold and add it myself... but I don't, so I won't.) --67.36.177.100 17:35, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

Furthermore, you could see the "BOOOIING" in this comic as an alternative to the "Boooooring" (only one-letter difference) at the end of 895: Teaching Physics : Instead of becoming boring after "...Annnnd..." cliffhanger, the demonstration becomes really fun. Anyone to add that point in the explanation if relevant ? --KoundelitchNico (talk) 09:36, 24 September 2014 (UTC)

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